From There to Here
Written by Laurel Croza & illustrated by Matt James
Published by Groundwood Books
The little girl in this story has just moved across the country by train. She has had to leave the home she loves in the Saskatchewan bush so that her dad can help build a highway in Toronto. But the new house and neighbourhood in the city feel very strange, and her older brother has his own friends now. Everything about "there" seems different than "here." And then one day there is a knock on the door...
In their highly anticipated sequel to I Know Here, Laurel Croza and Matt James have once again perfectly captured the experience of a young child who finds hope in the midst of change.
Reviews...
"Croza’s spare text captures the narrator’s feelings of displacement with poetic immediacy."
- Quill & Quire, *starred review
"Through a series of sensory-steeped, one-on-one contrasts called out and pictured on opposing pages, the girl (who also narrates) comes to realize that “different” is not necessarily “better” or “worse,” and that she herself has the power to make her new surroundings not only acceptable but also satisfying."
- New York Times Book Review
"Readers will come to understand that while 'here' and 'there' are different, different is OK, especially when you have the support of a new friend."
- Publishers Weekly, * starred review
"A low-key, emotionally true approach to a common and usually upsetting childhood experience."
- Kirkus, * starred review
"Little ones struggling to adjust to a new home or missing their old one will find comfort here."
- Booklist
"Expressionistic acrylic and ink illustrations add depth to the story."
- School Library Journal
"The palette of the Toronto scenes is predominately blue-sky sunny, reflecting the story’s ultimate optimism . . . we know that the ride begun at the close of the book promises both amity and adventure."
- Horn Book
"Croza and James twice prove the strength of their complementary collaboration, creating a poignant journey both timely and timeless."
- Book Dragon
"As in any great picture book, the text should be complemented by the illustrations, as Laurel Croza and Matt James have done so easily in From There to Here. They found the means to endow memories and new experiences with the quality of perspective, effortlessly taking the reader on a smooth journey From There to Here."
- CanLit for LittleCanadians
• Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award
(2015: Finalist)
• Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Award
(2015: Finalist)
• Cooperative Children's Book Centre Choices
(2015: Selected)
• CBC Radio / The Next Chapter, Summer Reading List for Kids
(2014: Selected)